Ask Away with Shay

I get a lot of questions. A lot. And I really and truly try to answer each and every one of them! Sometimes, these questions are pretty similar and kind of in Dear Abby form...so I thought I'd start my own advice column to showcase a few. Do I have any business giving advice to people? Absolutely not. Do people still want my advice and opinion? Yes. If you're asking, I'll answer! (Because a baseball loving, mom of small children, foodie blogger should really solve all of life's problems...)

It's time to Ask Away with Shay!

All names have been changed to protect the privacy of everyone involved. Except for me...I kept my name the same. ;)

Dear Shay,
I'm 22 and graduated from college last May. I am trying to meet new friends and a boyfriend but I'm having a hard time networking and meeting new people. What should I do?
Thanks,
Brooke

Dear Brooke,
If I were you, I would start trying to meet new people in a church setting. I have found my best friends through Bible studies and other church activities. Look for a group that is similar to your life stage (young career people). Do you have any hobbies or interests? If you're a runner, try a running club, if you're a golfer, invite some friends out to hit balls on a weeknight...you'll find other people who love golf out there doing the same thing. I would try and do the things you love and then, you'll find people with similar interests and lifestyles doing the same thing.
Lots of love!
Shay

Dear Shay,
Before we had kids, my husband and I had a lot of quality time together but now, it's really hard to fit that into our day. How do you and Andrew stay connected?
Thanks,
Amanda

Dear Amanda,
Andrew and I don't really go on many "date nights". I can't even tell you the last time we had dinner and a movie just the two of us. That being said, we have mini-date nights every night after the kids go to bed. We have a rule that after the kids go to bed, neither of us are on our computers or i-Pads. We always put the kids to bed at 8:00 and then watch a show that we both enjoy while having a little dessert (for us...it's a brownie...for you, it might be a glass of wine or something). We get two hours of TV, talking and quiet time before going to sleep each night. It's amazing how much these two hours mean to us. No kids, no phones, no computers, just us. I feel like if we stay connected like this on most nights, we really don't need big "dates" that often.
Lots of love,
Shay

Dear Shay,
What are a few main pieces I should add to my spring wardrobe? I can't afford an entirely new wardrobe but I would like a few new pieces.
Thanks,
Stacey

Dear Stacey,
For me, spring is all about transitional pieces. Sheaffer and I have been on the lookout for the perfect light weight military jacket for months and the other day, we found it. She even did an entire post on it. Something light like a jacket, plus a great pair of wedges or flats (that can be worn with both pants and shorts) and some bright colored tops that will add a pop of color to brighten up your look for spring is all you need. Here is an example...

This is the military jacket we're both completely in love with! It's so light and I seem to be wearing it all.the.time. Perfect for spring. Click here to see the exact jacket.

I'm also in love with my leopard flats. These are great little shoes for in-between boot and sandal season. And then my yellow tank...makes things pop.

Lots of love,

Shay

And...

To see all of my tips to make your spring wardrobe Pop, click here.

And today is a great day to check out Gap because if you use the promo code SAVE, you save 30% on men's and women's items.

And for wedges that are on sale, click here.

Dear Shay,

My boyfriend of four years and I are having a hard time making it work. He lives a few hours away from me and neither one of us wants to move. I really love him and don't want to break up but one of us has to budge and neither wants to. I'm only 24 and he's 30. What should I do?

Thanks,

Paige

Dear Paige,

I'm a big believer in that if you're having a hard time dating, your marriage would be realllllllly hard. Marriage does not make anything easier, it only makes things more complicated. If neither one of you loves each other enough to move, then maybe you should each move on. When the right guy comes along, you will be over the moon and do anything to be with him. This does not sound like the right guy kind of situation. Never settle. You deserve the best.

Lots of love,

Shay

Dear Shay,
What do you make your kids for dinner on nights when they don't want what you're serving? I feel like it's a constant battle at my house.
Thanks,
Sarah

Dear Sarah,
I really, really, really don't stress about what my kids eat at dinner. Andrew and I really want our kids to focus on family time and to enjoy sitting down at the table with us. It's a great time for us to talk about our days and bond over our meal. My kids eat a lot of what I make. They're really into pasta and meatballs, briskets and such. That being said, if I'm making something I just know they won't enjoy, I don't mind giving them a second option. I'm not a short order cook every night...but on some nights, I don't mind preparing them some else if I just know what I'm serving isn't their cup of tea. Some parents' main priority at the dinner table is getting their kids to eat...our goal, is getting our kids to share with us what's going on inside their little heads.

Lots of love,
Shay

Speaking of those kiddos...here are a few pictures of my sweeties for our Wednesday...